Candy preforming machine



y 5, 1953 LATIN] r-:rm 2,637,281

CANDY PREFORMING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5. 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I 27M3432)" i 3 /'/2 216 {T AJ l fifinw :7 ZeoZaZzra' W in May 5, 1953 L.LATINI ErAL CANDY PREFORMING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 5. 1947jW/ 77/5715, jeojaijz /gdlm k A7 W7 JQZZZWmy.

May 5, 1953 L. LATlNl- ETI'AL 2,637,281

CANDY PREFORMING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5. 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 5, 1953LATINI ETAL 2,637,281

CANDY PREFORMING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 y ray Q. A

M y 1953 LATIN] ETAL 2,637,281

CANDY PREFORMING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 y 1953 L.LATlNl ETAL 2,637,281

CANDY PREFORMINC MACHINE Filed Feb. 5. 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 XXH 77 Zeal55273 4 Patented May 5, 1953 CANDY PREFORMING MACHINE Leo Latini andEdmond Latini, Chicago, 111.; said Edmond Latini assignor to said LeoLatini Application February 5, 1947, Serial No. 726,574

24 Claims.

This invention relates to candy making machines and more particularly tocandy preforming devices for producing hard candies in conjunction Withhandle sticks such as confections commonly termed suckers, althoughcertain features thereof may be employed with equal advantage for otherpurposes. This invention is a continuation-in-part of my applicationSerial No. 467,091, filed November 2'7, 1942, and which eventuated intoLetters Patent No. 2,431,439 dated November 25, 1947.

It contemplates more especially the provision of animproved,substantially greater capacity, and more efficient hard candy preformingmachine, preferably though not essentially for producing candies havingattached sticks associated therewith during the formation thereof.Numerous types of candy preforming machines have heretofore beenproposed, including machines for the production of candy consumed withthe aid of a stick such as suckers, but these are intricate,comparatively slow and massive machines that entail a high unit cost byreason of their low production which is a factor of their intermittentoperation, so that hard candy producing machines of a sucker type maybeappreciably increased in capacity, continuous operation and novelstructural instrumentalities have been provided to continuously producepreformed hard candies of a sucker type in large quantities withoutrequiring the intricate and tedious operating characteristics ofintermittent elements.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction andto improve the operation of devices of the character mentioned. fAnother object is to provide improved candy preforming machines forproducing hard candies of a sucker type with simple, compact and highlyefficient instrumentalities.

' 'Still another. object is to provide a machine of a rotary table typewith a plurality of complemental die members that are cooperativelyactuated in timed relation to feed, preform, ef-

fect the association of a stick therewith and accomplish the ejectionthereof for'discharge in a h continuity of high speed operations.

A further object is to provide hard candy preforming devices includingcomplemental die elements that are actuated in timed relation at acontinuous high speed to form hard candy confections in conjunction witha stick serving as a handling expedient therefor.

A still further object is to provide improved stick feeding means inconjunction with preforming die elements that are movable relative toeach other in timed relation with ejecting and discharge meansresponsive to a continuity of operations.

Still a further object is to provide candy and stick feedinginstrumentalities in conjunction with complemental die elements that aremovable relative to each other in timed relation to ejecting anddischarge means responsive to the rotation of a table mount in the pathof stationary cam tracks.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following descriptionof an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a candy sucker preforming machine embodyingfeatures of the present invention, parts thereof being broken away andshown in sections to clarify the showmg.

Figure 2 is a front view in elevation of the machine shown in Figure '1,parts thereof being broken away and shown in sections for purposes ofclarity.

Figure 3 is a plan sectional view taken substantially along lines IIIIIIof Figure 2, showing the driving and gear mechanism for operating thevarious instrumentalities shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary side view in elevation of the remote clutchcontrol taken substantially along line IVIV of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a front view in elevation of the intermittent ratchet candyfeed control view substantially from line V-V of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along lineVI-VI of Figure 1.

Figure '7 is a fragmentary sectional view in elevation of the lower campivotal mount taken I substantially along line VII-VII of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation of the upper camassembly viewed substantially from line VIII-VIII of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional fragmentary detailed view in elevationof the finished candy sucker discharge device taken substantially alongline IX-IX of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a plan sectional detailed view of the candy suckerdischarge device taken substantially along line X--X of Figure 9, partsthereof being shown in section for purposes of clarity.

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed 'view of the dischargedevice finger and actuat- Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view ofcandy as it leaves the sizing device and enters the rolls shown inFigures 1 and 2.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a candy segment cut from the candyroll shown in Figure 12 as it leaves the cutter and prior to enteringthe candy distributor comprising the element of the device showninFigure 1.

Figure 14 is an end view in elevation of the stick feeding mechanismviewed substantially from line XIV-XIV of Figure 1, parts thereof beingbroken away and shown in sections for clarity.

Figure 15 is an end view in elevation of a stick feeding device viewedsubstantially from line XVXV of Figure 14, parts thereof being brokenaway and shown in sections for clarity.

Figure 16 is a sectional View in elevation of the candy distributortaken substantially along line XVI-XVI of Figure 1.

Figure 1'7 is a fragmentary sectional detailed view of the stick andimpaling cam mount taken substantially along line XVIIXVII of Figure 1.

Figure 18 is a side view in elevation of the table scraper actuarymechanism viewed substantially from line XVIII.XVIII of Figure 1 Figure19 is a sectional view in elevation of the scraper actuator mechanismtaken substantially along line of Figurel.

Figure 20 is a fragmentary sectional view of the candy feeding rolls andcutter knives taken substantially along line XXL-XX of Figure 1.

Figure 21 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detailed view of a stickretainer taken substantially along line XXL-XXI of Figure 1.

Figure 22 is a sectional view taken substanuany along line xxn xxn ofFigure 21,.

Figure 23 is a side View in elevation of candy segment and feedingrollers viewed substantially along line XXIII-XXIII of Figure 1.

Figure 24 is aface view of the knocker actuator cam viewed substantiallyfrom line XXIV XXIV of Figure 23.

The. structure selected for illustration is not intended to serve as alimitation upon the scope or teachings of the invention, but is merelyillustrative thereof. 'There may be considerable variations andadaptations of all or part of the teachings depending upon the dictatesof commercial pra i The present embodiment comprises a frame work 10having a frame top I! supported by a plurality of corner legs orstandards [2 to elevate the frame top H from the supporting floor sothat a continuous strand or ribbon of plastic candy can be fed thereto,as Will appear more fully hereinafter. An attendant guides the strand orribbon of plastic candy from a sizing device of standard construction toa flared entrant orifice l3; defined between two confronting grooved andpegged rollers l4 and [5 (Figures i, 2 and 23), The rollers l4--l5 arevertically journalled in the stub shafts I6 and I1, respectively, sothat the substantially semicircular grooved peripheries 18 of therollers l4.l5 will be in confronting edge contact as at 19 (Figures 2and 23 to define the enclosed circular passage 2!] that communicateswith the flaring entrant orifice l3 conforming substantially with theshape of the strand orribbon of plastic candy that is manually orautomatically fed thereto.

The tu sha ts I i-ll ar io r alled n a bearing bracket 2!, and eachshaft has spacer collars 22--23 th reon be ween w ich h n spur gears24-45 are mounted. The lower shaft l'l-has a sprocket it on itsextension Tito receive a chain 28 thereover. The chain 28 extends to asprocket 29 below the frame table II (Figure 2) for attachment to ashaft 30 journalled in bearing brackets 3i32 depending from theunderside of the frame table I I.

It should be noted that the feed rollers l4-|5 are intermittentlyrotated through a ratchet wheel 33 fixed to the end of the shaft 30(Figures '2, 3 and '5). The ratchet wheel 33 cooperates with a pawl 34provided on the end of a lever 35 which is pivoted on the shaft 30(Figures 3 and 5) for oscillation responsive to a connected lever 36operativelyconnected to a crank arm 3! that is rotated intermittentrotation of the feed wheels I l-l5 as will appear more fullyhereinafter.

Inorder to sever the continuous strand or ribbon of plastic candy 33into segments 69 (Figures 12 and 13) for deposit into complemental diemembers, vertically reciprocal scissor operating shearing knives -4l-42, attached to arms'fl-M by means of fasteners such as machine screws15 (Figures 2-and 20), for vertical pivotal reciprocation about amounting pin 46 in the path of the plastic candy strand or ribbon 33.The knives ll-+42 operate during the dwell in the intermittentlyrotating feed rollers I'd-I 5, and the knives 4I42 are thus timedtherewith. It-should be noted that the pivot pin 46 is carried'by abracket 41 fixed to the top of the frame table II (Figure 2). Offsetactuator arm extensions 18-49 extend'from the knife arms 33 M beyondtheir pivot 46 to carry confronting vertical roller mounts St -5 I.

The mounts -50-5I are provided Withcam follower rollers 52- 53 thatcoact with oppositely positioned cams S t-=55 fixed to a shaft 56(Figure 28). The shaft 56-isjourna1led in bearing brackets 5'l58 fixedfor support on the frame table II. These knives 4| -42 are normallysubjected to a separating urge by an interconnecting spring 59 tomaintain the follower rollers 5263 in contact with their actuator cams'5455 for positive cutting approach responsive thereto with thecandyroll 38 therebetween.

A lever '60 is pivoted as at 61 to a mount to carry a cam followerroller 63 in the path of a cam 64 which is also mounted on the shaft 55to'operate the lever with its candy engaging curved bracket retainer 65(Figure '20) at the extremity thereof to engage the candy roll 38adjacent the knives 41-42 to progressively sever the candy roll 38 intosegments or unitsBS (Figures l2 and 13).

An elongated coil tension spring 66 is anchored at one extremity to "alug-61, projecting laterally from the lever 60 (Figures 2 and 23) whileits other extremity is anchored to a lug '68 fixed to the frameHLthereby normally urging the lever 60 with its bracket retainer 65against the candy roll 38. 'Th'ecam 64 operates to actuate the lever 60to disengage the retainer 65 from contact with the candy roll 38 intimed relation with the operation of the. feeding rollers I4-l'5 and'theknives -42.

The lever 60 with its retainer bracket 65 is actuated momentarily inadvance of the knives 4 l42 so as to'first hold the candy roll 38against movement, and this occurs while, the candy feeding rollers l4-i5are stationary. The feeding rollers l4.'l5 are intermittently rotated aswill appear more fully hereinafter. During the movement of, the rollersl4-Fl5, the knives'4l42 are open andstationary. Upon the operation ofheretai r 65 for engage ent w th the candy roll 38, the knives 4I I2 areactuated to produce successive segments or units 69.

The successive segments or units 69 are positively displaced downwardlyinto a rotary distributor ID by a knocker lever II (Figures 1 and 23)which terminates in a bearing 12 fixed to an end of a countershaft I3.The countershaft I3 is supported in bearings IA-I5 that extend from thebrackets 5I-58' supporting the bearings 5'I58 which rotatively supportthe cam shaft 56. The countershaft I3 has a bearing I6 at its other endto support a radial furcated bracket TI to which is mounted a camfollower roller I8. The cam follower roller I8 confronts a cam I9 fixedto the extremity of the cam shaft 56 which rotates to actuate theknocker lever 'II in synchronized timed relation to the operation of theretainer and scissor-like operating knives III-42 which are all camactuated from the shaft 56.

A spring is tensioned between the bracket TI and bearing bracket 58' byengagement with pins 8I-B2, respectively, to retain contact between theroller I8 and cam I9.

As the candy segments 69 are severed from the candy roll 38 responsiveto the scissor-like operation of the knives 4I42, these are knockeddownwardly by the lever 1| to a distributor 83 having a series of radialopen cavities 84 open at their exterior end 85 (Figures 1 and 16). Theradial cavities 84 in this instance eleven, are provided in a circularcarrier 86 journalled about a vertical shaft 81 that extends downwardlythrough the frame table top II. The cavities 84 of the distributor 83have downwardly converging side and end walls 88-439 (Figure 16) whichmerge into the open cylindrical cavities 84 to receive the candysegments 69 therein as the knives II-42 and knocker lever II areactuated in synchronized timed relation with the rotation of thedistributor 83.

Each of the open cylindrical cavities 84 are provided with reciprocalpiston plates 90 fixed to tubular guide rods 9| that telescope overradial rods 92 anchored in the hub of the carrier 86 (Figure 16).depending studs 93 which carry cam follower rollers 94 disposed in a camgroove 95 provided in the upper surface 96 of a circular cam body 91.The cam body 91 is fixed to the frame table II by means of fasteners 98.Consequently, as the distributor 83 rotates, the pistons 90 reciprocateto displace the candy segments 69 into the path of confronting formingdies as will appear more fully hereinafter.

In order to rotatably support the plurality of complemental die membersfor timed movement in conjunction with the candy feeding I4-I5, severingelement 4I -42, and distributing instrumentalities 03-84, the frame topII has a depressed circular portion I00 (Figure 6) provided with anupstanding hub IOI having an axial bore I02 thereof to receive avertical drive shaft I03 therethrough. The depressed circular portionI00 has an upstanding circular trough I04 defined by spaced circularwalls I05-I06 formed integral with the depressed frame top portion I00.The outer spaced wall I06 terminates in a horizontal surface I01 thathas a depending peripheral flange I08 (Figure 2) extending therefrom todefine the outer limits of the depressed frame top portion I00.

A pair of confronting die supporting table mounts I09-IIO were fixed tothe drive shaft I03 for rotation therewith, there being comple- Thetubular guide rods 9I have mental keys and key-ways III-II2 (Figure 6)provided therebetween so that rotation of the drive shaft I03 willinsure the rotation of the confronting table mounts I09--IIO that aremaintained in spaced relation by a collar II3 (Figure 6). A ball bearingraceway H4 is inter posed between the hub IUI of the depressed frame topI00, and the hub of the lower table mount I09 to insure smooth and highspeed rotation of spaced table mounts I09-I I0 relative to the depressedframe top portion I00 and its hub IOI (Figure 6).

A plurality of die receiving compartments II5IIB are circumferentiallyspaced in vertically aligned relation in the table mounts III9III3 toreceive a corresponding number of complemental die bodies II'I-II8, inthis instance eleven in each of the table mounts I09--I I0. It should beobserved that the die receiving compartments H5 in the lower table mountI09 communicate with the annular trough Hill formed in the depressedportion I00 of the frame top I I, and that the lower die bodies I'I'Iare secured in the compartments IIfilwhich are of complemental shape toserve as a support therefor. Similarly, the upper compartments H6 areprovided with correspondingly shaped die bodies I I8 that have anoverlapping retaining plate H9 thereover the attachment thereof to.

the outer ends E20 of the upper mount IIO through the medium of threadedfasteners I2'I (Figure 6).

Confronting die elements I22I23, which may be of any suitable shape andtype, are provided with shanks I2 II25 which are reciprocally mountedwithin somewhat larger bores I26--I2'I provided axially through the diebodies III-I I8. Compression springs I28I29 comprising uniform helicalconvolutions of wire envelop the die shafts IZ I-I 25 below and abovethe die bodies II'I'-I I8, respectively, to normally urge the diesI22-I23 to their inward extreme position relative to the die bodiesII'III8. Suitable cam contact caps I30I3I are provided on theextremities of the die shafts I24-I25 to serve as a stop for the springsI28-I29 and also as cam followers which ride over lower and upper camsurfaces I'M-I33 (Figures 2, 6, and 8).

The cam surfaces I32-I33 comprise the actuators for the dies I22-I23,respectively, and these are formed on cam bodies I34-I35 (Figures 2 and6) serving as actuator tracks over which the die shank cam follower capsI30I3I ride over predetermined portions of their are of travel. Itshould be noted that a cam I39 (Figure 6) has an oil immersed trackcomplemental to the lower cam follower caps I39 to positively return thelower dies I22 to their initial separated position. This assists thesprings I28 to accomplish the movement of the dies I22. A plurality ofstick receiving slots 5%, in this instance one, is provided in the outerperipheral surfac I3! of the lower table mount I09 along a radial medianline of each lower die receptacle I I5, to receive han dle sticks I42that extend inwardly to the center axis of the lower die element I22. Tothis end, each of the lower die bodies I I? are slotted as at I39 tocommunicate with the radial slots I 36 provided in the outer surface I3!of the lower table mount I09 to accommodate the sticks I42 that are fedthereto as will appear more fully hereina er.

The lower cam track I34 (Figure 6) is fixed to the bottom of the annulartrough I04 at approxi- .cemi enti die elements |22 :23 to com I a iieinie rmed-i ndy; i! .I- .=.th i t l .s..-J il isw q ara mml di ireqrelatieeyiit rt md name m e a i a me e s mer ,rulia ere aaiter-tweeseam dsc ti nt he, i sri ee l mwh I 23 wh ch; m i 4 ment l i h we: i t-eeme t, itjevio toheifeottthe .downg zard depre s on thereof ag net thelower die element I 22 'oiy vir i rime-1 s ei -bi hei pner ie-Sh nk ps?3'4 ga s't' fthefv 'arn undergsuriace;iiiiheith track, I .(F1ure1:8)'The'cam'track l-I35'is1suspended a l qi e lt 1 43+ l- 11 i u -S I d; .31 3: 25 standing .threade d. sti ds I 45+I6 which project fr m tnecamtraokend bosses 'l i'i i ifl tofad' iiistahly.extend.tnr egn'p s e I :45+: to provided iii; a tijiangulanhoiizo a1. arrn, Isa o a verticalbracket I53, (Figure?) Thev'ei-t'icbracket I52, 36 is;attaehe'a'g f ci'rsupport on the. -fitable top H by means "of fasteners lL SeXtendm gthrough bracket ears liia (Figures land-2), andvis positioned;diametrically opposite, the, stick. feeding an r'nna il ginstrumentaliti e's (Figure 1) to, be.

s, ,.l as er i h? des r bed- Th'e inward" earn. track Supporting stud I{it is piv t d QtheQw'm ok negated bQss M3, by'. means of a pint lfi5ivhile the outward, tubular. en ere d unpe i e s ud! wh sa -eu d i) threthf e'h 5'zicol lar stops I 5am. receive.

a! i 0 i t. her betweeh wit n. he t I465 'lih 'e upper collar. I58 isfreely adjustable relativejto the can traek supporting rod ififi forthreaded engagement with the interiorly threaded tubular stud I l6 toadjust the compression ofthe sia'ring I59 which is supported with therod I56, b'y itscoll'eir I5! 'initiallyres'tingon the flanged bottomISIS-of the stud hi6} Withthis arrangement, the angniarlyextending-upper cam track I35 is anguiarl'y yieldab'le upwardlyabout its-pivot 155 against the foam pression of thespring I59.

' The inward cam tracks supporting pivot I55 is vertically adjustable bymeansof threaded nuts I'6I.I62 which engage the stud'i ilion both-sidesof the vertical bracket arm boss-M9- (Figures 2 and 6); The lower camtrack Is iis also -adjustably supportedby means of a depending arm- I53(Figures 6: and 7) which depends downwardly" (51) through anopening IGI-in the frame top portion lflll beyond the annular oil confining troughllM the'reinfFigure 6) The offset-armlfit pivotall'y engages a dependingbracket I fixedv bymeans of fastener studs ,1 66 to the underside of theframe topportion IBG. A pin I67 pivotally conn'ects the oifsetarm. IE3to the bracket I65 which'sealsthe openings I64 in the frame top portionI 00 against the escape of oil I58 which lubricates the'carn track I 34.A hand knob H58 on a rod I69 'e'n- 7 ables the rotation of its enlargedthreaded sleeve lI0;.withinl the frame top portion mete adjustably carrya reduced tip I'II Within the annular trough'iil i to engage theunderside of the lower cam track1-l34 at a point spaced from its pivotale d ee lei we he i tfisetermi 53:, Arm mentoa; 4 lii ntelonsi he rod m9,and it is,a tacheaito..; het ni erside,0;; tnae rame oatnor q t I fi iiot ele h h eade wrm ctien-. .i nei od;sleeve; 1O.-, gains. l welt-e. at.

hus; oth. he; owa ami reat; I Q i and he. upper icanitr-ack I 3 5,; areph otally, yieldably and m .112 2 a fle niox z sth thedesi ie iidesreerqf Dew ye;berel t ve r e erted by: he; ie: lements; #271231 hiar-A a on ro d a, Mi e e 'em e a a i ia'eet ype et I and e l-9 13.,iqmnensat er. ar he u p emi rae '35:";3; eminence- 0 tha wer r si neminemes att ec ne t qn em.

4- th distributqrjeedingstation Mfiland inere as'es degree to its ezt enie 1 compres ion 'that. is ef fectegt at substantiallythe fourth, diestation wiewedfit mi' r i L n u t in j lqe. Wisedireetiqn) At substa till the-fifthstationfrom thefeeding station: Me thelupper 'die ji'z ii isfully releasedand in'ft'he. next .adj'a'e ent,.stat'ion orsubs'tantiallythe siXth'die eositio'ri; the lower cam track l'fl begins to lift, the]lower 'die 7 element |2 2 j to ac complishlthe ejec tion of thecompleted candy I4I with e 'EtiekIMZfin position (Figures 1 and 6).

xtf dia 'en psit q rJ bs a ly he; a; take fupf mjech'anisril I I 'I 5removes ithe.

1e up mechanismifiii (Figures 1-41-10 and" 11) comprises ayerti'caishaft iikijwhich i's' joiirhall'ed inball-beaifingra'ceways l ii ifflifp'r'o vid'e'd in split beaiings i :1 --'80 (I igure9 The split bearingFi -4t il is supported by afra zne exjt'ensi'o'nfIB Lfqrmeclf integralwith the frame 2 I lar boss "I82Z eXtends upwardly from thetabletopextension 58i to provide peripheral earn edge I 83 upon whichcam 'followingjrollers' 53 t, this ii'istarioe fo ur, traverselforcontact therewith, The rollers i 84 a're joui nalieol on studs 3 1. 2 11 1 are i e ler s n. iv amen 86 hat e end etwee ri u ea d a ket 1 thatare ed to the vertical shafts I (6 A plurality oi bolts I38, in thisinstancefour, extendtransYersely through the iuroatec i brackets la'l'to pivota11y; 'sup'port the roller mounts 436 relative to theerticalshaft I15 (Figure 9). The pivotal mounts I iii carry radiallyextendingquadrants 'I8S;'in' this instance four, which are at t'aehe'd1; the mounts i BB'to pivot relative to a, eireular plate I535: Theoircular plate I9!) i associate'cl with the shaft I lfi'ior rotationtherewith" tiirough a key IQ'i p'rox'zide'd betv-ieen the shaft I76 1movementofthe quadrants I235 relative to t]. late 99 is efiectedresponsive to the rotation of the shaft H5 which carry therollersittover the peripheral cam edge I8 3f-to raise and lower the quadrantsupporting mounts 'I'QEjPso that the preformed candies MI with theirsticks Miare grasped between the guadrants" I and the plate I90 intirned rota; tion o f tli e take-up rneohanisn that is synchronizedwith"therotation oi the confronting dies I22- ji23a11d*tiieirsupportingmechanism IflilfIIi) constituting a rotary"tablemeinber. "Therelativsp eedf rotation the take-up meohanisin I omega; the shaft -i'i'3is such that the preformedeandies:I I with their sticks I42 arriveas'thegua eirants I39 are elevated proxim'ate'to' the 'plate- H5 intheir upii a'rd pivotal movement to grasp the candy stioks' IZ2=tl'1eretea-teen and mus suocessf uliy' remove them along newer-patfoi consequent release at'a dis chargelooint'where a-rec'eltaeleis-positioned to 9 receive the finished products Ill-I42. To this end,the lower surface of the circular plate I99 is champered as at I92 alongthe peripheral edge thereof to conform with the angularity of thequadrants I89 when the latter are elevated to their extreme graspingposition against the plate I90 with the sticks I42 therebetween (Figure9).

The circular plate I 99 is urged downwardly against a stop I93 on theshaft I16 by means of a spring I94 which envelops the shaft I16 forengagement with a bushing I95 at its lower extremity. The bearing I95 isassociated with a shaft I16 for rotation therewith through the medium ofthe key I9I to support the spring I94 and downwardly urge the plate I99during the rotation thereof. The sprin I94 is anchored at its upper endby means of a collar [96 fixed to the shaft I16 through a suitablefastener such as the set screw I91 to provide for adjustment along theshaft I16 to control and adjust the compression in the spring I94,andthus regulate the friction grasp of the sticks I42 to effect theremoval of the preformed candy unit I therewith. As the plate I99 andthe quadrants I89 rotate in a clockwise direction (viewed from Figure1), the quadrants I89 gradually descend the grasp of the sticks I42which together with their candy balls or units I4I are displaced throughthe inertia of rotation for collection in a tumbler or other processingunit or ordinary collection receptacle for packaging.

The continued clockwise rotation of the table or die supporting membersI99I I (viewed from Figure 1) beyond the take-up mechanism I15 preparesthe confronting dies I22-I23 to assume their initial positionpreparatory to reaching the stick supplying station I99. So that anycandy units I4I which accidentally passed. around and beyond the take-upmechanism I15 without sticks I42, may be removed prior to reaching thestick supplying station I98, a scraper blade I99 is provided toreciprocate above and in close proximity to the lower die mounting tableI09 (Figures 1, 18 and 19).

The scraper I99 has a normally offset shank 209 (Figure 1) whichreciprocates in guides 29I-292 fixed to the upper surface. of the frameII. A link 293 is pivoted to the scraper shank 290 as at 294 for pivotalconnection to a longitudinal link 295 which is anchored to the frame topII as at 295. An intermediate transverse link 291 is pivoted to thelongitudinal link 295 as at 203. The transverse link 291 is operativelyconnected to a rotating vertical crank 209 which-oscillates the link 295and reciprocates the scraper I99 through its shank 299 and itsconnecting link 203. The crank 299 extends downwardly through the frametop I I for rotation responsivet'o'the driving mechanism which will behereinafter described. The feeding of sticks I42 at the hopper or stickfeeding station I98 is synchronized with the continuous rotation of thedie supporting elements I09lI9.

In order to automatically supply the handle sticks I92 to the lower dieelement I22 and to effect the support thereof at the desired elevationwith respect to the concavity or shape of the complemental die elementsI22-523, the stick slots I39i31 are provided to extend in the adi allyouter peripheral surface I31 of the lower table die mount I09 which isslotted as at I38--i39 (Figure 6) in radial diametrical alignment witheach of the lower dies I22. The radial stick slots I36-I 39 communicatewith each of the die receptacles IE1 provided in the lower table mountI09, and each of the lower die receptacles H1 is provided withcorresponding slots I39 which align with the table mount slots I36 toreceive the sticks I42 at approximately the same elevation as the top ofthe lower die elements I22 when it is in its initial lowermost positionin the die body I I 1 (Figure 6). With thi arrangement, the candysegments 69 (Figure 13) will be deformed by both complemental diesI22-I23 into the shape of the latter around the inward extremity of thesticks I42 responsive to the depression of the upper die element I 23.

The sticks I 42 are confined in a hopper 2I0 (Figures 1, 14 and 15) thathas a converging side wall depending extension 2II-2I2 defining arestricted discharge open bottom 2I3 that defines an arcuate lower endconforming to and communicating with a cylindrical stick distributingdrum 2I4. The arcuate hopper bottom 2I3 has its opening along the lengththereof which substantially conforms with and is somewhat narrower thanthe circumferential spacing of straight transverse slots 2 I5 on theperiphery of the drum 2 I4. The stick distributor in the form of acylindrical drum rotor 2I4 is journalledon a shaft 2I9 for rotationtherewith to bring the slotted periphery of the drums 2 I4 adjacent thecorrespondingly shaped hopper bottom 2 I3. The shaft 2I6 is fixed to therotor or drum 2I4, and is journalled in bearing raceways 2I12I8 providedin the hopper assembly to support the shaft 2H5 for rotation with asprocket wheel 2I9 having a chain 220 mashing therewith. Consequently,the sticks I42 confined in the hopper 2I0 will be distributed forindividual deposit in the transverse slots 2I5 of the distributor drum2I4 which, in turn, cooperate with stick retainers 22I (Figures 14 and22) provided in radial alignment with each of the lower dies I 22 forattachment to the outer periphery of the lower die mount I09.

The sticks I42 are stacked in the hopper 2I0 which is provided with adriven knurled rod 222 journaled in the hopper side walls 223-224(Figure 15). The rotation of the knurled rod 222 serves as a stickrepeller to preclude the bunching of the sticks I42 and provide fortheir deposit in the drum slots 2I5. The sticks I42 that are lodged inthe slots 2I5 are therein retained until displaced to the retainers 22Ithere.- below (Figure 14) and a loosely disposed ring 225 confined in aperipheral groove 226 On the drum hub 221, rides over the stickretainers 22 I. The loosely rolling'ring 225 precludes the sticks I42from being accidentally displaced at the time of their transition fromthe drum slots 2I5 to the retainers 22I and momentarily until the lattergrasp the sticks I42 as will presently appear.

The sticks I42 are dropped into the retainers 221 which, in thisinstance, comprise a tubular sleeve 228 (Figures 21 and 22) having adownwardly offset boss 229 for attachment to the depending outwardperipheral wall 230 (Figures 6 and 21) of the lower table mount I09. Thesleeve 223 has upstanding stick guides 23I 232, in this instance two,which are formed integral therewith (Figure 22) to serve as stopsagainst which the sticks I42 are forcibly held by means of a camactuated arcuate finger 233 mounted for operation responsive to an arm234 that is pivoted on a'pintle 235 anchored in the sleeve boss 229(Figure 21). A roller 236 is journalled on. the pintle 235 to rotativelysupport the stick retainers 22I on a plate extension 231 projecting fromthe lower table mount I09.

The finger arm 234 has a cam follower arm L1 2138 :extending therefrom.tbeyond rthe .pintle 23.5 to: carryfra :cam :rol1er:.2 3.9 (Figure 11)inconfrontingtrelation with and in the .path :of c a :cam 1M0 :itoopen:the finger 233 relative to thesstick' guides FRI- 232. A spring 12.4I(Figure 22) normally surges the finger 23'3'towardztheffixedrsti'cksguides .endr-stops 23I-I232 While the'fixed tabletcam 24%! serves toseparate the finger (233 relative lito ithe fixed guidesand stops23I--232: -againstzthe 'urge ofthe spring 24I tovertic-ally'reoeiveithes sticks I42 from the hopper :2 I 9 and permit the horizontaldisplacement of 'the sticks I'421there- 'ffrom for irnpaling'the'candy MI Thesticks I 42 are clisplacedfrom the 1 retainers I 2 2 I in ahorizontal rdirection toward and through *the slots E3I-f M9 in theFlower "table mount T I 09 and die receptacle i m I (Figure fi) This isaccomplished by T means of a cam "followerl'24 3ffiX-ed"to :theextremity "of a red 2M lFig'ures'l :and 21) whichtelescopes-intoa-=sleeve $245 that, in. turn, telescopes 'intothe sleeve228. -IIhe rod i244 and sleeve Y 245 each have "flanged endsifi'fi and24? which :are in ithe path 'df' pes'ripher-al shouldersigsand fl 49provided internal- .ly withinthe. sleeves '2'45 and f22 8,respectively,'rto

apreclude-the separation ofthe stick retaining and .impaling'mechanismrfi I 'Ihe camfollowerizfl rhas a rounded external surfa'ce'(Figure 1 which sa'buts against' ai'fixe'ct arcuate. cant-"track 2 5 I 3fixed byiibrackets 252-$253 and fasteners "254 "to "the frame-atop I I.The-cam325l gradually displaces the stick" I142 inwardly until'theretainers 322 I r ar- -rive at approximately one half revolution 1 fromthe csticki'feeding I'hoppervZ re (Figure 1) ,ian'd'in thatrran-gezofmovement another 'cam'track255 (Figures 1 :tan'cl 17 is iza'cljustablymounted as at $256425! (Figure '11) to "the "frame mounted LhraGketiI-EZtofinally impalethe sti'ck 142 into "therpreformed. candy3 I34 I'The."eanrtrackt- 2555.15

.radially :adjusta-ble at its L'mQunts 258-45! :to 1.

aazccommodateudifierentl lengths of stick I242.

lheiinward surface 258 of thecam followers 5243 is 'flat .to cooperatewith a "fixed cam track 1259 (Figure 1') whichiservesfto separatethe'teleisc'opic zelements 244- 245 totheir maximum :ex-

tent opposite "to their fully "telescoped impalementtposition, to m-akeready'for 'a' repetition 'of theimpalementffunction. During this:timerth e arm? fOllOWeri2 36 (Figurefll) rridesithehighi sidedfiithecam'zz tfl'to recede the'stick.en'gagingfinger 523 351110111 thefixedgnides and'stops 23 I-..=2321to ithus openathe "retainers 22 I for'the" 'receptionfdf :a stick (I 42 :as rtheiriposition "of movement: isin ithepath of the hopper. 2 I0. Theistick distributor 'ielrum 2Miszrotarilyiadjustable byrneansi of ithe oppositely fclisposedi'threaded studs 2 50-1 26 I that arerprovided'onra'plateizfiii foren'gagement with arspini263fianchored 'in "the side :of' the: drum '2I4. Looking studs'i2542551are threadedly-tanchored intthe drum 'Z IT4 toextend'thrcugh:arcuate:slots itha t is supported bytthe "frame top I I.'The L'h'opper r21 8 isrigidly supported so 2 that its hottcm 'dischargeslot overlies and is in the path tof thetransverse slots "2E5 providedin drum rzmwmch, transfers thesticks I52 to'theretainsears-E22 I 'assuch 'rotatethereunder with: the lower die'imount I (I9.

WVith'this arrangement, :the sticks I 42 are derposited in'the 'druznslots zlt. and'as the lower die mount I09 rotates, the stick is carriedin xlisplacement for thedesired distances-o that: the inward: stickextremity registers with: the. aXiSr of the Lower die :e-lement I23. Thefeedingof the -.sticks I4'2is eirectedresponsiveitothe rotation oftheshopperrotor or drumt I l in timed-relation (withthe1rotationz0fithetable mounts i-tfi tlt .and the. other operating instrumentalitics' aswill "lappearmore fully hereinafter.

The illstrumentalities thus far 1 described are cperatedin timedrelationfrom; a common;- power source constittuing an electric motorv 259 (Figure .2) fixed to 'a-hottom frame plate supportedhy the standardsIE. The motor 2-58.15 coupled at ZEIltoraspeed rcduceriZlil (FiguresilandB) which isalso fixed to the bottom frameplatewso that the (driven.shaft :2 thereof imparts the desired speed-of :rotation to a sprocketpinion 122 Iithatzisiin alignment with sprocket wheehZ'Ii! fixed-to .ashaft??? for connection through a chainflfi. Theshaft 213 is journalledin the gbea-ring -orackets l."t52't that are attached through anysuitable"fasteners-2 El to the bottom frame plate'to :retatably-supportthe shaft 121-3 ifor dri-Ving thevariousinstrumentalities in timedrelationas WilLhecpree-ently described. Theeccentric crankarm is to theshaft 213 to oscillate the-connecting rod 3'5 which operates the'ibellcrank .--Zt1l11.3-5 (Figurefi) torint-ermittently rotate the shaft thisbeing accol. plished throue'imthepawl 35 which-cooperates With theratchet Wheel firm-impart corresponding intermittentrotationto the.-candy'ieed roll- -.ers M- I15 i (Figures 2 -320) The operation I of the'candy'feed roller I i-A5 in timed relation "with the'knives M li. andtheirassociatd-elerm-ents has been described supra.

.Asshownpthe-main shaft (Figure .3) has ,a'pinionfiil fixed theretoadjacent :to the bearins-2T6 to meshwith a gear 2T9 "dtDwSL.cz-untershaftilfi disposed parallel to the main shaitiE'IE.'lhe'conntcrshaft is iournalleclin hearings till-#282 fixed-totheundersidev of the frame .top "H.

bevel pinion 233 which meshes with a bevel gear TZM-"that' is'fixedto:azvertical shaft I t3 to-Which thetablemounts I.-L:I3I til-are fixedfor continu- 'ous rotation therewith. The countershaft 289 and thevertical shaft I33 gearcdthereto, "rotate continuously ,to carry thecircumferentially "spa'ce'dsseries of co'mplemental die members I22- I23ialong 5a circular; path in 'tLuled relation with 60 "shafti flfi tocontinuouslyrotate the stick. grasp- I the retainers 22I therewithtforhorizontal inward 15 :2 91-298 :(Figure 3) fixed to the adj c 8 Theceuntershaft '2 carries a tremities of aligned shafts 299'300,respectively, journalled in bearings 301, 302 and 303, respectively. Theshaft 239 has a spur gear 304 attached to the extremity thereof beyondbearing 302 to mesh with a spur pinion 305 that is attached to a stubshaft 306 to carry a bevel gear 301. The bevel gear 30'! meshes with abevel gear 308 fixed to a vertical shaft 209 to operate the scraper 199described supra (Figure 1). The aligned stub shaft 300 carries a bevelgear 309 which meshes with a bevel gear 313 fixed to a vertical shaft311 which is journalled in a bearing 312 fixed to the table top 11(Figure 23) to support a bevel gear 313 that meshes with another bevelgear 314 fixed to the knife operating cam shaft 50 described supra. Itshould be observed that the main driven shaft 213 carries a pulley 315over which a belt 313 extends to operate a pulley31'1 fixed tothe stickrepeller 222. This provides for dependable distribution of sticks I42 tothe distributor drum 214.

The main'driven shaft 213 is operatively connected to the countershaft280 through the gears 2'18-279. To enable the disconnection of theshafts 213-280, a clutch element 318 is provided to idle on thecountershaft 280. The clutch element 318 is complemental to anotherclutch e1ement 319 associated with the countershaft'280 for rotationtherewith and slidable ther-ealong so that the clutch element 319 may becaused to engage or disengage the clutch element 318 through themediumof a yoke 320 (Figure 4). The yoke 320 has aligned trunnions 321-322cooperating with an angular groove 323 provided on hub 324 of the clutchelement 319. The yoke 320 is pivoted to a link 325 which carries abearing 326 for attachment to a rod 32'! that is journalled in'bearingbrackets 328329 fixed to the frame (Figures 2 and 4). The rod 327 has ahandle member 330 fixed to the extremity thereof to enable thefractional rotation of the clutch operating shaft 321 to cause theclutch elements 318-319 to be in effective complemental engagement 01'disengagement so that the motor 208 may continue to operate while theremaining instrumentalities such as the table mounts 10s-1 10 togetherwith all other associated elements are rendered inoperative foradjustment, cleaning, or other service requirements. The handle 330 isreadily accessible to control the operation of the clutch 318-3i9. Theidler clutch element 318 carries a sprocket wheel 331 (Figure 3) thatdrives a sprocket chain 220 which, as described supra, operates thehopper distributor drum 214 so that these elements are rendered inactivewhen the clutch elements SIS-3E9 are separated.

While we have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of thisinvention, it must be understood that the invention is capable ofconsiderable variation and modification without departing from thespirit of the invention. We, therefore, do not wish to be limited to theprecise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail ourselvesof such variations and modifications as come within the scope of theappended claims.

We claim:

1. In a device of the character described, the combination with a frame,of a table mounted for continuous rotation on said frame, a plurality ofpairs of normally separated complemental die members uniformly spaced onsaid table, means for feeding material to said complemental die memberswhen in separated relation, means for displacing one complement of saiddie mem- 14 bers toward the other to compress the material therein,means for returning said compressing die member complement to itsinitial position, and rotary clutching means for removing the preformedmaterial from said die member after the compressing die is elevated.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination with a frame,of a table mounted for continuous rotation on said frame, a plurality ofpairs of normally separated complemental die members uniformly spaced onsaid table, springs for normally urgingsaid complemental die membersfrom each other, means for feeding material to said complemental diemembers when in separated relation, means for displacing one complementof said die members toward the other to compress the material therein,means for returning said compressing die member complement to itsinitial posit on, and axially mounted means rotating in timed relationto said table to remove the preformed material from said complementaldie members.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination with a frame,of a table movably mounted for continuous rotation on said frame, aplurality of pairs of normally separated com plemental superposed diemembers uniformly spaced on said table, means for successively feedingmaterial to said complemental die members when in separated relation,means for displacing one complement of said die members toward the otherto compress the material therein, means for returning said compressingdie member complement to its initial position, means for displacingsticks into radial alignment with said complemental die members, andmeans for progressively impaling said radially aligned sticks into thematerial confined between said complemental die members as said tablemoves on said frame in synchronous timed relation with said stickdisplacing means.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination with a frame,of a table rotatably mounted for continuous rotation on said frame, aplurality of pairs of normally separated complemental die membersuniformly spaced. on said table, means for intermittently feedingmaterial to said complemental die members when in separated relationmeans for cutting said intermittently fed material into segments, whilesaid feeding means are inactive, means for displacing one complement ofsaid die members toward the oth er to compress the material therein,means for returning said compressing die member comp1ement to itsinitial position, and axially mounted rotary grasping means for removingthe com pressed material from the other die member complement.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination with a frame,of a table rotatably mounted for continuous rotation on said frame,

a plurality of pairs of normally separated com plemental die membersuniformly spaced on said table, springs operatively associated with saidcomplemental die members for normally effecting their extremeseparation, means for intermittently feeding material to saidcomplemental die members when in separated relation, means fordisplacing one complement of said die members toward the other tocompress the material therein, means for returning said compressing diemember complement to its initial position, stick retainer means mountedon said table in radial alignment with said complemental die members,and cam means on said frame cooper- 1.5 atingt withsaid, stiokretainermeans for. progrcse sively-displacing thesticks toward said dieniemhere;

6. In a hard candy forming machine; the com-- bination with a frame, ofa table rotatively mounted on said frame, a plurality of uniformlyspaced pairs of normally separated complemental die members on saidtable, means for rotating said, table on said frame, means for effectingthe displacement of continuous lengths of candy toward said table, meansfor severing said continuous length of candy into segments, means fordisplacing the candy segments between complemental die members as thetable rotates to bring complemental die members in the path of saiddisplacing means, means for moving one die member complement toward theother with the candy segments therebetween for effecting the compressionand shaping of said se ments, stick retainer means in radial alignmentwith each of said complemental die members, stick feeding means disposedabove the path of said stick retainer means, means for opening andclosing said stick retainer means as said table rotates therewith toreceive and engage sticks from said stick feeding means, and meansassociated with said stick retaining means to. radially translate thesticks toward said complemental die members to impale the candysegments.

7, In ahard candy forming machine, the combination with a frame, of atable rotatively mounted on said frame, a plurality of uniformly spacedpairs of normally separated complemental die members on said table,radially disposed stick retaining means on said table in radialalignment with. each, of said pairs of complemental die members, meansfor feeding non.- edible sticks to said stick retaining means with a.portion thereof disposed between said complemental die members, meansfor rotating said table on said frame, means for effecting thedisplacement of continuous lengths of candy toward said table, means forsevering said continuous length of candy into segments, means fordisplacing the candy segments between complemental die members as thetable rotates to bring complemental die members in the path of saiddisplacing means, means for moving one die member complement. toward theother with the candy segments therebetween for effecting the,compression and shaping of said segments around said sticks, and cammeans on said frame for progressively displacing the sticks from saidstick retaining means into said, complemental die members to impale thecandy segments as said table rotates.

8. In a hard candy forming machine, the combination with a frame, of atable rotatively mounted on said frame, a plurality of uniformly spacedpairs of normally separated complemental die members on said table,spring means for normally maintaining said complemental die members inspaced relation, means for feeding non-edible sticks to said table witha portion thereof disposed between said complemental die members, meansfor rotating said table on said frame, means for effecting thedisplacement of continuous lengths of candy toward said table, means.for severing said continuous length of candy into segments, means fordisplacing the candy segments between complemental die members as thetable rotates to bring complemental, die members in the path of saiddisplacing means, means for moving one die member complement toward theother with. the. candy segments therebetween for effecting the com?pression and shaping of said segments around said sticks, stick feedingmeans disposed above the path of said complemental die members, a rotarystick distributor drum in. said stick feeding hopper means, stickretainer means on said table in radial alignment with said complementaldie members, cam meansfor displacing said sticks into said die member toimpale the candy segments, and rotary stick grasping means for removingthe preformed candy from said complemental die members.

9. In a hard candy forming machine, the combination with a frame, of avtable rotatively mounted on said frame, a plurality of uniformly spacedpairs of normally separated complemental die members on said table,means for rotating-said table on said frame, intermittentmea'ns foreffecting the displacement of continuous lengths of candy toward saidtable; confronting movable means for severing said continuous length ofcandy into segments, candyholding means operable momentarily prior tosaid severing means, means for displacing the candy segments between,complemental die members as the table continuously rotates to bring.complemental die members in the path of said displacing means, sticksupply means mounted onsaid frame above the path of travel of saidcomplemental. die members, stick retainer means in. radial alignmentwith each of said complemental die members, cam means for opening andclosing said stick retainer means, and cam means for operating saidcomplemental die members.

10. In a ,hard candy forming machine, the combination with a frame, of atable rotatively mounted on saidframe, a plurality of uniformly spacedpairs of normally separated complemental die members on said table,means for rotating said table on said frame, intermittent means foreffecting the displacement of continuous lengths of candy toward saidtable; means for severing said continuous length of candy into segments,knocker means for displacing thecandy segments between complemental diemembers as the table rotates to bring complcmental die members in thepath of said displacing means, a stick feeding hopper on said frameabove the path of travel of said complemental die members, stickdistributor meansin said hopper, stick retainer. means on said table toreceive the sticks from said distributor, and means associated with saidstick. distributor means. for momentarily resting on the-,sticks'as theyare deposited in said stick retainer means.

11. In a hard candy forming machine, the combination with a frame, of atable rotatively mounted on said frame, a plurality of uniformly spacedpairs of normally separated complemental die members on said table,means for. rotating said table on said frame, intermittentv means foreffecting the displacementof continuous lengths of candy toward saidtable, means for severing said continuous length of candy into segments,means for displacing the candy segments between complemental die membersas the table rotates .to bring. complemental die members-in the path ofsaid displacing means, a stick feeding hopper onsaid frame abovethepathof travel of said complemental.diemembers, stick distributor means insaid hopper, stick retainermeans on said table .toreceivethesticksfromsa-id distributor, means associated with said stick distributormeansfor momentarily resting. onv the. sticks as 17 they are deposited insaid stick retainer means, and means for closing and opening said stickretainer means.

12. In a hard candy forming machine, the combination with a frame, of atable rotatively mounted on said frame, a plurality of uniformly spacedpairs of normally separated complemental die members on said table,means for rotating said table on said frame, intermittent means foreffecting the displacement of continuous lengths of candy toward saidtable, means for severing said continuous length of candy into segments,means for displacing the candy segments between complemental die membersas the table rotates to bring complemental die members in the path ofsaid displacing means, a stick feeding hopper on said frame above thepath of travel of said complemental die members, stick distributor meansin said hopper, stick retainer means on said table to receive the sticksfrom said distributor, means associated with said stick distributormeans for momentarily resting on the sticks as they are deposited insaid stick retainer means, means for closing and opening said stickretainer means, plungers associated with said stick retainer means, andmeans for displacing said stick retainer plungers to impale the sticksinto the candy segments during the preforming thereof.

13. In a hard candy forming machine, the combination with a frame, of atable rotatively mounted on said frame, a plurality of uniformly spacedpairs of normally separated complement-a1 die members on said table,means for rotating said table on said frame, intermittent means foreffecting the displacement of continuous lengths of candy toward saidtable, means for severing said continuous length of candy into segments,knocker means for displacing the candy segments between complemental diemembers as the table rotates to bring complemental die members in thepath of said displacing means, a stick feeding hopper on said frameabove the path of travel of said complemental die members, stickdistributor means in said hopper, stick retainer means on said table toreceive the sticks from said distributor, means associated with saidstick distributor means for momentarily resting on the sticks as theyare deposited in said stick retainer means, means for closing andopening said stick retainer means, plungers associated with said stickretainer means, means for displacing said stick retainer plungers toimpale the sticks into the candy segments during the preforrningthereof, and stick grasping means for removing the preformed impaledcandy from said complemental die members.

14. In a device of the character described, the combination with aframe, of a table rotatably mounted on said frame, a plurality ofcomplemental die members oircumferentially spaced on said table, radialstick receiving slots in said table between the outer periphery and saiddie members, confronting candy feeding rollers on said frame fordisplacing a continuous ribbon of candy toward said table, reciprocallymounted severing means in the path of said feeding rollers forsegmenting the continuous ribbon of candy, knocker means fortransferring the severed segments to said complemental die members,means for operating said complemental die members to compress thesegments around the sticks and effect the ejection thereof from said diemembers, and axial mounted rotating clamping means for grasping saidstick impaled candy to effect the 18 removal thereof from saidcomplemental die members.

15. In a device of the character described, the combination with aframe, of a table rotatably mounted on said frame, a plurality ofcomplemental die members circumferentially spaced on said table, toreceive candy segments radial stick receiving retainers on said tablebetween the outer periphery and said die members, hopper means forconfining a supply of sticks above said table, means for successivelytransferring sticks from said hopper to said retainers, cam means forradially displacing the sticks from said retainers to impale the candysegments, confronting candy feeding rollers on said frame for displacinga continuous ribbon of candy toward said table, reciprocally mountedsevering means in the path of said feeding rollers for segmenting thecontinuous ribbon of candy, knocker means for transferring the severedsegments to said complemental die members, means for operating saidcomplemental die members to compress the segments around the sticks andeffect the ejection thereof from said die members, scraper means forremoving defective candy segments after the compression of saidcomplemental die members, and stick grasping means for removing thepreformed impaled candy segments from said complemental die members.

16. In a device of the character described, the combination with aframe, of a table rotatably mounted on said frame, a plurality ofcomplemental die members circumferentially spaced on said table, radialstick receiving means on said table between the outer periphery and saiddie members, spring means for normally maintaining said complemental diemembers in confronting spaced relation, hopper means for confining asupply of sticks above said table, means for successively transferringsticks from said hopper to said stick receiving means with a portionthereof extending into said complemental die members, impaling meansassociated with said table for endwise contact with sticks disposed insaid stick receiving means, confronting candy feeding rollers on saidframe for displacing a continuous ribbon of candy toward said table,reciprocally mounted severing means in the path of said feeding rollersfor segmenting the continuous ribbon of candy, means for transferringthe severed segments to said complemental die members, and means foroperating said complemental die members to compress the segments aroundthe sticks and effect the ejection thereof from said die members.

17. In a device of the character described, the combination with aframe, of a table rotatably mounted on said frame, a plurality ofcomplemental die members circumferentially spaced on said table, radialstick receiving means on said table between the outer periphery and saiddie members, spring means for normally maintaining said complemental diemembers in confronting spaced relation, hopper means for confining asupply of sticks above said table, a slotted drum in said hopper means,means for successively transferring sticks from said slotted drum intosaid stick receiving means with a portion thereof extending into saidcomplemental die members, cam actuated impaling means associated withsaid table for endwise contact with sticks disposed in said stickreceiving means, confronting candy feeding rollers on said frame fordisplacing a continuous ribbon of candy toward said table, reciprocallymounted severing 24. In a device of the character mentioned, thecombination with a rotatively mounted table, a plurality of uniformlyspaced pairs of normally separated complemental die members on saidtable, radially disposed stick clamping means on said table for eachpair of complemental die members, means for opening and closing saidstick clamping means responsive to the rotation of said table, means forfeeding non-edible sticks to said clamping means while open in radialalignment with said complemental die members, means for displacingvsaidsticks within said complemental die members as said table rotates andwhile said clamping means are open, and loosely suspended ring means onsaid stick feeding means for momentarily resting on said sticks whilesaid clamping means are open and during the initial displacement of said,sticks within said complemental die members.

LEO LATINI. EDMOND LATINI.

References Cited in the meet this patent UNITED s'm'ras PATENTS vNumberi-

